Saturday, July 11

State

Rahul Gandhi Calls Him ‘Traitor Friend’; Ravneet Singh Bittu Retorts, Says He Has No Ties with Country’s Enemies
PUNJAB AND HARYANA, State

Rahul Gandhi Calls Him ‘Traitor Friend’; Ravneet Singh Bittu Retorts, Says He Has No Ties with Country’s Enemies

Delhi/Chandigarh: Tensions escalated in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday over the suspension of eight MPs, as protests by Congress leaders spilled outside Parliament. During the demonstration, a heated exchange took place between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu. Rahul Gandhi referred to Bittu as a “traitor friend,” prompting a sharp rebuttal from Bittu, who called Gandhi a “country’s enemy” and stated that he has no connection with those who harm the nation. Reports also note that Bittu refused to shake hands with Gandhi during the confrontation. Who is Ravneet Singh Bittu?Ravneet Singh Bittu, the Union Minister of State, had joined the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections after leaving Congress. Although he contested the election on a BJP ticket and los...
Haryana to Offer Affordable Industrial Plots; Multi-Story Factories to Become Reality Under New Policy
PUNJAB AND HARYANA, State

Haryana to Offer Affordable Industrial Plots; Multi-Story Factories to Become Reality Under New Policy

Chandigarh: The Haryana government, led by Chief Minister Nayab Saini, is set to unveil a new industrial policy this month aimed at providing significant relief to businesses and entrepreneurs. The draft policy, currently being finalized by the Department of Industries and Commerce, promises a range of incentives to encourage industrial growth across the state. Affordable Plots and Vertical ExpansionOne of the key highlights of the upcoming policy is the availability of cheaper industrial plots, addressing a long-standing concern of high land costs for businesses. Previously, industrial units were restricted to constructions up to 15 meters in height. The new policy removes this limit entirely, allowing entrepreneurs to build multi-story factories, warehouses, and production units. This...
Al Falah University Chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui Arrested Over Multi-Crore Fraud Allegations
PUNJAB AND HARYANA, State

Al Falah University Chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui Arrested Over Multi-Crore Fraud Allegations

Faridabad: Delhi Police’s Crime Branch has arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, Chairman of Al Falah University, in connection with alleged fraud and forgery involving crores of rupees. Following his arrest, Siddiqui was produced before a court, which granted the police four days of custody for further investigation. Serious Allegations of Financial and Administrative IrregularitiesAccording to Delhi Police officials, Siddiqui faces serious charges relating to financial and administrative irregularities at the university. Investigators expect to uncover crucial information during questioning. This action comes at a time when Al Falah University is already under the scrutiny of multiple central agencies. University Previously in HeadlinesAl Falah University has previously attracted attentio...
Indore Youth Protests at DM Office After Name Removed from Voter List
Madhya Pradesh, State

Indore Youth Protests at DM Office After Name Removed from Voter List

Indore: In Indore district, a young man became enraged after his name was removed from the voter list following the Special Identification Revision (SIR) exercise. Frustrated with repeated delays, he confronted the district collector at the DM office, demanding action. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. Frustration Over Administrative DelaysThe youth stated that he had submitted all the required documents but still found his name deleted from the voter list. He claimed to have visited the collectorate multiple times—seven, in fact—without resolution. The incident highlights the difficulties faced by citizens, especially the economically weaker sections, in getting their issues addressed during the SIR process. Speaking at the collectorate, the youth expressed his...
Bihar Government Cracks Down on Obscene and Double-Meaning Songs in Public Spaces
Bihar, State

Bihar Government Cracks Down on Obscene and Double-Meaning Songs in Public Spaces

Patna: The Bihar government has taken a firm stance against the playing of obscene or double-meaning songs in public spaces and vehicles, including buses, trains, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. Home Minister Samrat Chaudhary has directed authorities to take strict action against offenders, warning that violations could lead to fines and imprisonment. Action Following Disturbing IncidentsThe decision comes in the wake of the tragic death of a NEET aspirant at Shambhu Girls Hostel in Patna, which prompted heightened scrutiny of women’s safety. In response, the government has not only recommended a CBI investigation into the incident but also launched a campaign to prevent displays of obscenity targeting women in public spaces. Protecting Women and Public MoralityReports indicate that drive...
Patna Municipal Corporation to Raise ₹200 Crore Through Municipal Bonds, Prepares for Stock Market Listing
Bihar, State

Patna Municipal Corporation to Raise ₹200 Crore Through Municipal Bonds, Prepares for Stock Market Listing

Patna: In a significant step towards financial self-reliance, the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to issue a municipal bond in April, aiming to raise ₹200 crore. The bond is expected to be listed on the NSE and BSE by August. Funds raised will be utilized for the development of the city’s water supply, roads, and sanitation infrastructure. Bihar’s First Municipal Body on the Stock MarketTraditionally responsible for civic maintenance, municipal corporations in India are now exploring capital markets as a means to raise funds, similar to companies issuing shares. Patna Municipal Corporation is preparing to become the first municipal body in Bihar to tap into the stock market, reducing its dependence on government grants. According to PMC Commissioner Yashpal Meena, the bond p...
Gopalganj Medical College Sparks Political Showdown Between JDU and BJP Leaders
Bihar, Politics, State

Gopalganj Medical College Sparks Political Showdown Between JDU and BJP Leaders

Gopalganj: The announcement of a medical college in Gopalganj has turned into a political flashpoint for the NDA, as leaders from the JDU and BJP clash over the project. JDU MLA Manjit Singh and BJP MLA Mithilesh Tiwari are now engaged in a public war of words, each staking claims and criticizing the other’s influence over the project. Dispute Over Location and Land AcquisitionThe main point of contention is the site selection for the medical college. JDU MLA Manjit Singh has raised concerns over land acquisition in Thave. According to reports, 25 acres and 20 decimals of land selected in Thave fall under the Agriculture Department and have yet to receive a no-objection certificate. Singh argues that the college should instead be established in Dhankhar, within his constituency of Barou...
Noida to Launch ₹27 Crore Project to Drain Water After Techie Yuvraj Mehta’s Death in Sector-150
State, Uttar Pradesh

Noida to Launch ₹27 Crore Project to Drain Water After Techie Yuvraj Mehta’s Death in Sector-150

Noida: Following the tragic death of young software engineer Yuvraj Mehta, who drowned in a water-filled pit in Sector-150, Noida authorities have approved a major plan to drain the accumulated water and prevent future incidents. The project, with an allocated fund of ₹27 crore, aims not only to remove existing water but also to provide a permanent solution for water and sewage drainage across the affected area. Details of the ProjectThe initiative will cover 13 sectors, from Sector-150 to Sector-162. According to officials, the pit had been accumulating rainwater and sewage since 2021. The project will involve technical surveys, design, tendering, and construction, with an expected completion time of approximately one year. The plan includes building proper drainage channels and reg...
UP Government Declares Deaths Caused by Chinese Kite Strings as Murder After Lucknow Incident
State, Uttar Pradesh

UP Government Declares Deaths Caused by Chinese Kite Strings as Murder After Lucknow Incident

Lucknow: Following the tragic death of a young man in Lucknow due to a Chinese kite string (manja), Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken a strict stance, declaring that deaths caused by such strings will now be treated as murder. The incident has intensified concerns over the use of Chinese kite strings in the state. Despite an existing ban on synthetic/nylon manja, violations have continued. CM Yogi has directed authorities to enforce a complete ban across Uttar Pradesh and ordered all district police officers to conduct raids to prevent further use. He emphasized that all cases of death caused by these strings will be treated as criminal homicide, and high-level reviews of enforcement actions across the state will be conducted. Details of the Lucknow IncidentThe f...
Dr. Kaustubh Appointed as New SSP of Gorakhpur
State, Uttar Pradesh

Dr. Kaustubh Appointed as New SSP of Gorakhpur

Gorakhpur: The Uttar Pradesh government has appointed Dr. Kaustubh as the new Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for Gorakhpur. The transfer list, released late Wednesday night, also includes the posting of the outgoing SSP, Rajkaran Nair, to Ghaziabad. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Kaustubh served as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Jaunpur since 2024. An experienced IPS officer of the 2012 batch, he has previously held key positions in Ambedkar Nagar, Sant Kabir Nagar, Maharajganj, Varanasi, and Sonbhadra. He has also served as SP City in Gorakhpur earlier in his career. Background and EducationOriginally from Patna, Bihar, Dr. Kaustubh completed his early education in Adilabad, Telangana. He earned a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree from Osmania University with 52% marks an...